Telescopic Handle for Hard-Sided Suitcase

ABSTRACT

A hard-sided suitcase may have a front and a back hard-sided shell that together comprise a main storage compartment. A telescopic handle may have retractable or extendable arms, corresponding fixed tubes configured to house the arms, and a curved handle. The fixed tubes and/or frame of the telescopic handle may be at least partially encased within the back hard-sided shell. The fixed tubes may be approximately flush with the exterior of the back hard-sided shell, and the interior of the back hard-sided shell may provide a smooth and continuous surface to the main storage compartment to alleviate packing around the telescopic handle during use. The curved handle may have an undulating bend, and be configured to fit into a corresponding curved surface on the top of the back hard-sided shell. The top and backmost portions of the curved handle may be approximately flush with the back hard-sided shell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/982,493, filed Dec. 30, 2010, which claimspriority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/299,727,filed Jan. 29, 2010 and entitled “Hard-Sided Expandable Suitcase,” theentirety of both are incorporated by reference herein. This applicationis also related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/444,924, filed Apr. 12, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to luggage, and more particularly tohard-sided suitcases and telescopic luggage handles.

BACKGROUND

Currently, consumers have a variety of different options when it comesto luggage for their personal belongings and/or other articles. Forexample, consumers can use suitcases, briefcases, computer cases, beautycases, business cases, travel bags, and a host of other types of cases.People often spend considerable resources to ensure that they havesuitcases which are both durable and stylish. However, in addition todesiring a suitcase which is both durable and styling, people also seeksuitcases which provide a significant amount of storage space andcompartments, without being cumbersome and unwieldy. Many availablesuitcases come in a variety of sizes which feature a plurality ofpockets and storage compartments.

Soft-sided suitcases have been provided in expandable versions, howeveronce a soft-sided suitcase has been expanded to fit in extra clothingand other belongings, it may not be possible to compress them back totheir original size because of the stresses that this puts on the fabricthat forms the suitcase. This means that the suitcase may have to becarried in the expanded state, which may mean that the suitcase nolonger meets an airline size requirements, or that the carrying handlesbecome offset with respect to the center of weight of the suitcase,making the case unwieldy to carry. However, hard-sided suitcases havegenerally not been successfully expandable. Currently availablehard-sided suitcases have thus often had to be provided in larger sizesto ensure larger storage capacities, which may result in a suitcasewhich may be inconveniently large for many consumers. Additionally,larger hard-sided suitcases may weigh an unacceptably high amount, evenwhile empty, which can use up too much of an airline weight restrictionamount for the luggage.

It is desirable to provide expandable hard-sided suitcases in novelconfigurations.

Additionally, conventional luggage handles include, for example, thosedisclosed by U.S. Design Pat. No. D536,875 (entitled “Luggage Handle”);U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0168507 (entitled “Steerable Carriage Apparatus”);U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,281 (entitled “Retractable Luggage Handle MountingHardware”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,151 (entitled “Retractable LuggageHandle Mounting Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,512 (entitled“Selectively Rotatable Handle Assembly for Towable Luggage”); U.S. Pat.No. 7,226,073 (entitled “Luggage Cart Having a Telescoping Handle Withthe Addition of a Foldable Supportive Wheel Assembly”); and U.S. Pub.No. 2010/0095480 (entitled “Universal Bracket and Luggage HandleSystem”). However, conventional luggage handles may have variousdrawbacks, such as being poorly designed, providing inadequate spacewithin a luggage compartment, having rough interior or exteriorsurfaces, being cumbersome and unwieldy, having several components andinsufficient strength and durability, and/or having other deficiencies.

SUMMARY

A hard-sided suitcase may include top and bottom hard-sided shells forforming a main storage compartment. The back hard-sided shell maypartially enclose or encase the telescopic arms of a telescopic handle.As a result, the telescopic arms may be substantially, approximately, oralmost flush with the exterior of the hard-sided suitcase, while notinterfering with or taking up space within the interior and/or mainstorage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. The handle portion ofthe telescopic handle may have a curved or other ergonomic design and bemanufactured as a single component. The handle portion may be configuredto be collapsible into a curved, indented portion of the back hard-sidedshell such that the handle portion becomes substantially, approximately,or almost flush with the top and/or back of the back hard-sided shell ofthe hard-sided suitcase.

In one aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopichandle having retractable arms, a handle, and fixed tubes. Theretractable aims may be configured to extend into and out of the fixedtubes. The fixed tubes of the telescopic handle may be at leastpartially encased within, and immovable with respect to, the backhard-sided shell such that a backmost portion of the fixed tubes issubstantially or approximately flush with a backmost exterior of theback hard-sided shell. Simultaneously, a smooth and continuous surfacemay be provided by or on an interior of the back hard-sided shell thatfaces toward the main storage compartment to facilitate the packing ofclothing and other articles within the main storage compartment withoutrequiring packing around any fixed tubes or other components of thetelescopic handle located on the inside of or within the main storagecompartment.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopichandle having left and right retractable arms, a handle, and left andright fixed tubes. The left and right retractable arms may be configuredto extend into and out of the left and right fixed tubes, respectively,during use. The left and right fixed tubes of the telescopic handle maybe at least partially encased within, and immovable with respect to, theback hard-sided shell such that a backmost portion of the left and rightfixed tubes may be substantially or approximately flush with a backmostexterior of the back hard-sided shell. Simultaneously, a generallysmooth and continuous surface may be provided by or on an interior ofthe back hard-sided shell that faces toward the main storage compartmentduring use to facilitate the packing of clothing and other articleswithin the main storage compartment without requiring packing around theleft and right fixed tubes or any other components of the telescopichandle located on the inside of or within the main storage compartment.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopichandle having extending arms and a handle portion. The handle portionmay have a push button that facilitates the extending aims retractinginto and from corresponding fixed tubes of the telescopic handle duringuse. The fixed tubes of the telescopic handle may be partially encasedwithin, and immovable with respect to, the back hard-sided shell suchthat the fixed tubes of the telescopic handle are substantially orapproximately flush with an exterior of the back hard-sided shell, andremain partially visible when viewing the back of the hard-sidedsuitcase. Simultaneously, a continuous surface may be provided by or onan interior of the back hard-sided shell (the back hard-sided shellcomprising a bottom of the main storage compartment during packing) tofacilitate the packing of clothing and other articles within the mainstorage compartment without requiring packing around any fixed tubes orother components of the telescopic handle located on the inside of orwithin the main storage compartment.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment, and a telescopic handle. The telescopic handle mayhave a curved handle interconnected with a right extendable arm and aleft extendable arm. The right and left extendable arms may beconfigured to retract into and extend from fixed tubes of a frame of thetelescopic handle. The curved handle may be configured to bend inwardtoward the main storage compartment by curving inward toward the mainstorage compartment while the curved handle moves away from both theright and left extendable arms and toward the mid-point of the curvedhandle. The curved handle may be configured to fit within acorresponding curved, indented portion on the top, back corner of theback hard-sided shell such that when the right and left extendable aimsare retracted into the fixed tubes, the topmost portion of the curvedhandle is substantially or approximately flush with the top of the backhard-sided shell and the backmost portion of the curved handle issubstantially or approximately flush with the back of the backhard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and storage of the hard-sidedsuitcase. In one embodiment, the curved handle may have a symmetricand/or undulating shape, and the frame and/or fixed tubes of thetelescopic handle may be at least partially encased within the backhard-sided shell such that the frame and/or fixed tubes remain partiallyvisible.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment, and a telescopic handle. The telescopic handle mayhave a curved handle interconnected with a right retractable arm and aleft retractable arm, with the right and left retractable arms beingconfigured to retract into and extend from corresponding right and leftfixed tubes of a frame of the telescopic handle. The curved handle maybe configured to bend inward toward the main storage compartment bybending inward while the curved handle moves away from a top portion ofboth the right and left retractable arms and toward the mid-point of thecurved handle. The curved handle may be configured to fit within acorresponding curved and/or indented portion located on the top, backcorner of the back hard-sided shell such that when the right and leftretractable arms are retracted into the right and left fixed tubes,respectively, the topmost portion of the curved handle is substantiallyor approximately flush with the top of the back hard-sided shell and thebackmost portion of the curved handle is substantially or approximatelyflush with the back of the back hard-sided shell to facilitatecompactness and storage of the hard-sided suitcase. In one embodiment,the curved handle may be symmetrical and/or have an undulating shape,and the fixed tubes of the telescopic handle may be partially encasedwithin the back hard-sided shell such that the fixed tubes remainpartially visible.

In another aspect, a hard-sided suitcase may be provided. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a mainstorage compartment, and a telescopic handle. The telescopic handle mayhave a curved handle interconnected with right and left retractablearms, with the right and left retractable arms being configured toretract into and extend from corresponding right and left fixed tubesthat are at least partially encased within the back hard-sided shell.The curved handle may have a symmetric and/or undulating shape thatbends inward toward the middle of the hard-sided suitcase. The curvedhandle may be configured to fit within a curved, indented portionlocated on the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell such thatwhen the right and left retractable arms are retracted into the rightand left fixed tubes, respectively, the topmost portion of the curvedhandle may be approximately flush with the top surface of the backhard-sided shell and the backmost portion of the curved handle may beapproximately flush with the back surface of the back hard-sided shellto facilitate compactness and storage of the hard-sided suitcase.

Advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following description of the preferredembodiments of the invention which have been shown and described by wayof illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherand different embodiments, and its details are capable of modificationin various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description areillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presentlydiscussed, it being understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary hard-sided suitcase in a closed positionfeaturing a honeycomb plastic frame;

FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 1 in an openedposition;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary plastic reinforcement frame;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture and assembly;

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of another exemplary hard-sided suitcase;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary telescopic handle;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exemplary hard-sided suitcase of FIG.5; and

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described withrespect to a hard-sided suitcase for carrying and/or storing differenttypes of articles. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may beapplied to other types of hard-sided suitcases. Referring to thedrawings, an embodiment of a hard-sided suitcase 10 for storing articlesis illustrated. Notably, the suitcase may comprise a variety ofdifferent types of luggage. For example, the suitcase may be atraditional suitcase, a briefcase, a laptop bag/case, a computerbag/case, a business case, a travel bag, a beauty case, or a variety ofother types of luggage. Of course, the aforementioned types of suitcasesare merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit thesuitcase to the listed varieties.

The hard-sided suitcase 10 may include front, back, side, and top andbottom portions. The suitcase 10 may include two hard-sided shells 20,which may be utilized to form one or more storage compartments for thehard-sided suitcase 10. Outer portions of the hard-sided shells may format least a portion of the front, back, sides, top and bottom portions.The inner portions of the hard-sided shells may be lined with varioustypes of fabrics or other similar features and may include one or morepockets, which may be opened and closed through zipper mechanisms orother mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. The two hard-sidedshells may be utilized to form a primary compartment. One or more otherhard-sided shells may be utilized to faun secondary compartments aswell.

Notably, the shells 20 may be comprised of a thermoplastic compositionor other similar composition. In an embodiment, the shells may becomprised of a polycarbonate composition, which may include adding oneor more other substances to the composition such as ABS plastic. Thepolycarbonate composition may enable the shells to be flexible, whilemaintaining a generally rigid form. When stressors are applied to theshells, the polycarbonate composition may allow the shells to absorb theimpact from the stressors and cause the shells to flex to accommodatethe stressors. After the stressors have been remove, the polycarbonatecomposition may enable the suitcase to return to its original shape.

The hard-sided shells 20 may be connectable to one another through theuse of an opening zipper 30 or other fastening mechanism such as, butnot limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and buckles. Each side of thezipper 30 may include a plurality of metal or plastic teeth, which maybe stitched or otherwise attached to corresponding pieces of fabrictape. The fabric tape may be comprised of ballistic nylon or othersimilar materials. One fabric tape may be stitched or otherwise fastenedto an edge of one of the hard-sided shells and the other fabric tape maybe fastened to an edge of another hard-sided shell. The zipper 30 mayinclude one or more sliders 35, which may be configured to hold at leasta portion of the plurality of teeth on each side of the zippermechanism. Once the slider 35 is slid across the plurality of teeth, itmay be utilized to connect the edges of the hard-sided shells together,which forms a seal for the storage compartments within the shells.

In one embodiment, the zipper 30 may be slid across the entire edges ofthe hard-sided shells 20. Such a configuration would allow thecompartments to be entirely or almost entirely separated upon completelyunzipping the edges from one another. However, in another embodiment,the suitcase may have a hinge 40 (shown in FIG. 2), preferably along thebottom portion of the suitcase. The hinge may permanently connect atleast a portion (such as the bottom portion) of the edges of thehard-sided shells together. The remaining portions of the edges that arenot connected by the hinge may be connectable via the zipper mechanism.By utilizing the hinge, this may allow the hard-sided shells to remainat least partially connected to one another, particularly in the eventthat the zipper mechanism fails. In some arrangements, the hinge may beformed of a hard nylon, or plastic material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interior of the back hard-shell 20 may be smoothand/or generally flat. The interior of the back hard-shell 20 may bedevoid of any components or arms associated with a handle, such as atelescopic handle 50. As a result, the size of the main storagecompartment may be enlarged.

The suitcase 10 may include one or more handles for carrying, pulling,pushing, and/or lifting the suitcase. The handles may include a rigid,telescoping handle 50 which may have a push button lock. The telescopinghandle 50 may be connected to a top portion or other portion of ahard-sided shell so as to allow for easy transportation of the suitcase.The handle may include trolley tubes, which may extend through a portionof the hard-sided shell to which it is attached. This may allow foradditional structural support and allow the handle to undergo a greateramount of stress.

In one embodiment, the trolley tubes may be encased within the storagecompartment into a protrusion along the backside of the hard-sidedshell. The encasing may be performed laying a fabric, plastic, or othermaterial across the trolley tubes so as to ensure the flat surface. Oncethe trolley tubes are encased, a flat surface may be created across thetrolley tubes. This allows one to pack the compartment of the suitcasewithout having to pack around the trolley tubes, while also ensuring amore uniform compartment space. One may also pack between the trolleytubes. One or more carry handles 60 may also be included. For example,on a large suitcase two carry handles 60 may be provided, one on the topof the suitcase 10 and one on a side thereof.

The suitcase 10 may also be configured to include a plurality of wheels70 for transporting the suitcase. In one configuration, two wheels 70may be connected to a bottom portion of a hard-sided shell, preferablyalong the opposite ends of the bottom of the shell. In anotherconfiguration, another set of wheels may be connected to a bottomportion of another hard-sided shell so as to allow for four wheelspositioned at the four ends of the bottom of the suitcase.

Any number of wheels and any position for placement of the wheels may beutilized as well. For example, one wheel may be placed on a bottomportion of one hard-sided shell and two wheels may be placed on a bottomportion of another hard-sided shell. Such a positioning may allow forgreater stability and for easier transportation of the suitcase 10. Inan embodiment, the wheels may be plated with chrome or another similarmaterial. Plating the wheels with chrome or other similar materials mayenable the wheels to rotate along a variety of surfaces in a smooth andeasy motion by minimizing friction and drag along the surfaces. Inanother embodiment, the wheels may be hub cap plated. The wheels may bemanufactured from rubber, nylon, plastic, metal, or other materials. Thewheels may have packed or other types of bearings to facilitaterotation.

The suitcase 10 may be configured to have one or more expandableportions 80, which may be utilized to expand one or more storagecompartments of the suitcase. The expansion portion 80 may comprise afabric expansion gusset 84 and a polycarbonate composite expansion shellportion 86. The gusset 84 may be made of ballistic nylon or othersimilar materials, particularly materials which allow for flexibility.The expansion shell portion 86 may be connected to at least one of thehard-sided shells 20 at an edge of the shell 20. Notably, the expandableportion 80 may be secured in a non-expanded state by utilizing anexpansion zipper 90 or other similar securing mechanism, which may beconnected between an edge of one shell 20 and the expansion shellportion 86 with the expansion gusset between the two sides of the zipper90.

When an individual pulls a slider 95 to open the expansion zipper 90,the expandable portion may expand so as to increase the storage capacityof the suitcase. For example, the expandable portion 80 may allow thestorage capacity of the suitcase to be increased by 10-25%. If theindividual would like to return the suitcase to its original size, theindividual may close the zipper 90 using its slider mechanism 95, ifnecessary while applying force or sitting on one of the shells 20. Thismay enable the two shells 20 to compress the contents of the suitcasedown to a smaller size if desired, or the user may travel with thesuitcase 10 in the expanded configuration.

The expansion shell portion 86 may include a honeycomb or other plasticframe portion 100 (shown in FIG. 3), which may be positioned on aninterior side of the expansion shell portion 86. The frame 100 may bescrewed and/or riveted to the polycarbonate expansion shell portion 86,and may be covered with a nylon or other fabric lining so as to hide theframe from direct view. The frame portion 100 may provide additionalstrength to the expansion shell portion 86.

Notably, the expansion shell portion 86 may be located at approximatelythe midpoint of the width of the suitcase 10, and supports at least oneof the carry handles 60, preferably supporting two carry handles 60, oneon the top of the suitcase and one on the side of the suitcase. This mayprovide several advantages. First, the expandable portion 80 and theshell 20 to which it is attached form a deep receptacle for packingclothes into. This may make for easier packing and closing of thesuitcase 10 than with a suitcase formed of two equally-sized shellportions. Second, the carry handles 60 may be provided at the midpointof the suitcase, which may make for easier weight distribution andcarrying of the suitcase. Such positioning of the handle may allow aneven-balanced, level lift of the suitcase when an individual decides totransport the suitcase. The frame portion 100 attached to the expansionshell portion 86 may provide sufficient strength to prevent buckling ofthe expansion shell portion 86 as the weight of the suitcase may becarried by the carry handle 60.

In one embodiment, the suitcase 100 may include a locking mechanism forpreventing unauthorized access to one or more compartments of thesuitcase. The locking mechanism may be a conventional lock and keymechanism, a combination lock, a key code lock, a radio frequencyidentification lock, or other types of locks. Additionally, the lockingmechanism may be a biometric lock, which, for example, may be configuredto read fingerprints or other physical identifiers.

In one embodiment, aluminum side frames may be attached to the outsideof the suitcase 10, both for a decorative look and to protect the edgesof the suitcase from knocks during transit. Other side frames may beused, including those made from other types of metal or other materials.

I. Exemplary Embodiments

In one embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include two hard shellsconfigured to together form a main storage compartment of the hard-sidedsuitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the two hard shells atapproximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase; and at least onecarrying handle attached to the expansion portion. The hard-sidedsuitcase may further include an opening zipper connecting one of the twohard shells to the expansion portion and providing access to the mainstorage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and an expansion zipperconnecting the expansion portion and the other of the two hard shells.The expansion zipper may be include a flexible gusset or otherexpandable portion. The hard-sided suitcase may include a reinforcementframe connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion portionmay bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by thecarrying handle. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plasticframe that is enclosed by a fabric material. The reinforcement frame maybe attached to the expansion portion to re-enforce the expansion portionduring use.

In another embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include a left hardshell and a right hard shell configured to form a main storagecompartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positionedbetween the left and right hard shells at approximately a midpoint of adepth of the suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to theexpansion portion. The hard-sided suitcase may further include anopening zipper connecting the left hard shell to the expansion portionand providing access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sidedsuitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the expansion portion andthe right hard shell. The hard-sided suitcase may include areinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that theexpansion portion may be configured to bear the weight of the hard-sidedsuitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.

The expansion zipper may include a flexible gusset or other expandableportion. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plastic or otherframe that is enclosed by a fabric material. The reinforcement frame maybe screwed or riveted to the expansion portion and the expansion portionmay be manufactured from a polycarbonate based composite or othermaterial. The hard-sided suitcase may include a hinge between the lefthard shell and the expansion portion to facilitate opening thehard-sided suitcase. The hard-sided suitcase may include wheels that maybe hub cap plated. The left and right hard shells may be manufacturedfrom a polycarbonate based or other material. The hard-sided suitcasemay include additional, fewer, or alternate components, including thosediscuss elsewhere herein.

II. Exemplary Method of Manufacture and Assembly

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacture and assembly of ahard-sided suitcase 400. The method 400 may include manufacturing twohard shells 402, manufacturing an expansion portion 404, manufacturingand attaching a carrying handle to the expansion portion 406,manufacturing and attaching an opening zipper 408, manufacturing andattaching an expansion zipper 410, and manufacturing and attaching areinforcement frame 412. The method may include additional, fewer, oralternate actions.

The method 400 may include manufacturing two hard shells 402. The twohard shells may be configured to form a main storage compartment of thehard-sided suitcase. For instance, a right hard shell and a left hardshell, or a top hard shell and a bottom hard shell, may be manufacturedto form a main storage compartment. The hard shells may be manufacturedfrom ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic,polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of otherplastics known in the art.

The hard shells may be smooth and configured to be devoid of sharpcorners. The hard shells may retain their shape during use and/or whenthe suitcase is empty. In one embodiment, one of the hard shells isconfigured to be larger than the other, such as a top hard shell beingsmaller than a larger bottom hard shell. Alternatively, the two hardshells may be configured to have the same or substantially the sameshape and/or storage capacity.

Either or both of the hard shells may have an embedded or otherwiseattached locking mechanism for locking the hard shells together, andthen unlocking the hard shells. The locking mechanism may be operated bymanually entering a code, by key, by finger print reader, or othermeans.

The method 400 may include manufacturing an expansion portion 404. Theexpansion portion may be positioned between the two hard shells atapproximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase. The expansionportion may be positioned at other locations with respect to the depthof the suitcase. The expansion portion may include a fabric portion anda shell portion. The fabric portion may be manufactured from flexibleand/or soft material, such as nylon or other suitcase material. Theshell portion may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic,forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or anycombination of other plastics known in the art.

The shell portion may have a width of between approximately 0.25 inchesand approximately 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the shell portion mayhave a width of between approximate 1.0 inch and approximately 2.0inches. The shell portion may have a thickness of between approximately0.1 and approximately 0.4 inches. Other widths and thicknesses may beused.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching at least onecarrying handle to the expansion portion 406. A carrying handle may beattached to the expansion portion, such as to the shell portion of theexpansion portion. The carrying handle may be manufactured wholly orpartially from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic,polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of otherplastics known in the art. The carrying handle may be riveted, screwed,or otherwise firmly attached to the shell portion and/or the expansionportion.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an opening zipper408 to the hard-sided suitcase. The opening zipper may be an expandableor other zipper arrangement. The opening zipper may be stitched orotherwise attached to one or both of the hard shells. For example, theopening zipper may be stitched directly to one or both of the hardshells. Alternatively, the opening zipper may be stitched directly toone of the hard shells and directly or indirectly to the expansionportion. The zipper arrangement may be stitched directly to a frame orrim extended around the exterior of either or both of the hard shellsand/or the expansion portion.

In one embodiment, the opening zipper may directly or indirectly connectone of the two hard shells to the expansion portion and provide accessto the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. In anotherembodiment, the opening zipper arrangement may include an expandablezipper arrangement or gusset section that expands the size of the mainstorage container during use.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an expansionzipper 410 to the hard-sided suitcase. The expansion zipper may connectthe expansion portion and the other of the two hard shells. Theexpansion zipper may be configured to have a flexible gusset or otherflexible and/or expandable attachment.

The expandable zipper may be similar to the opening zipper, and may bestitched or otherwise attached to one or both of the hard shells. Forexample, the expandable zipper may be stitched directly to one or bothof the hard shells. Alternatively, one side of the expandable zipper maybe stitched directly or indirectly to one of the hard shells, and theother side of the expandable zipper may be stitched directly orindirectly to the expansion portion. The expandable zipper arrangementmay be stitched directly to a frame or rim extended around the exteriorof either or both of the hard shells and/or the expansion portion.

In one embodiment, the opening zipper may be located between a firsthard shell and the expansion portion, and on the other hand, theexpandable zipper may be located between the expansion portion and asecond hard shell. Other configurations may be used, including thosewith additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and assembling a reinforcementframe 412 to re-enforce the expansion portion and/or the shell portionof the expansion portion. The reinforcement frame may be connected tothe expansion portion such that the expansion portion is configured tobear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carryinghandle during use.

In one embodiment, the shell portion of the expansion portion mayinclude a honeycomb or other plastic reinforcement frame portion. Thehoneycomb plastic reinforcement frame portion may be on an interior sideof the shell portion. The reinforcement frame may be screwed, riveted,glued, bolted, or other wise directly or indirectly attached to theshell portion.

The reinforcement frame may be approximately square or rectangular inshape. The reinforcement frame may be a frame extending around theexterior of the suitcase. The width of the reinforcement frame may bebetween approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 3.0 inches. In oneembodiment, the reinforcement frame may have a width of betweenapproximate 1.0 inch and approximately 2.0 inches. The width of thereinforcement frame may be the same or approximately the same as theshell portion.

The reinforcement frame may have a thickness of between approximately0.1 and approximately 2.0 inches. In one embodiment, the reinforcementframe may have a thickness of between approximate 1.0 inch andapproximately 2.0 inches. Thickness of the reinforcement frame mayextend into the interior of the hard-sided suitcase. In one embodiment,the width and the thickness of the reinforcement frame are the same orapproximately the same. Other widths and thicknesses may be used.

The reinforcement frame may be covered with a nylon or other fabriclining so as to hide the frame from direct view. The fabric liningcovering the reinforcement frame may have a zipper arrangement tofacilitate assembly and the covering of the reinforcement frame with afabric material. The reinforcement frame portion may provide additionalstrength to the shell portion, and in turn the expansion portion.

III. Additional Exemplary Embodiments

In general, a hard-sided suitcase may have a front and a back hard-sidedshell that together comprise a main storage compartment. A telescopichandle may having retractable or extendable arms, corresponding tubesconfigured to house the arms, and a curved handle. The tubes of thetelescopic handle may be fully or partially encased within the backhard-sided shell. As a result, the tubes may be substantially orapproximately flush with the exterior of the back hard-sided shell, andthe interior of the back hard-sided shell may provide a smooth andcontinuous surface to the main storage compartment to alleviate the needto pack around or over any fixed tubes or other components of thetelescopic handle during use. The curved handle may be configured to fitinto or within a corresponding curved and/or indented surface on thetop, back corner of the back hard-sided shell. The top and backmostportions of the curved handle may be substantially or approximatelyflush with the exterior surfaces of the back hard-sided shell.

More specifically, in one aspect, the hard-sided suitcase may provide aback hard-sided shell that at least partially encases the frame and/orfixed tubes of a telescopic handle. The frame or fixed tubes may remainpartially visible when viewing the exterior of the back hard-sidedshell.

For example, the hard-sided suitcase may include front and backhard-sided shells defining a main storage compartment. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include a telescopic handle having retractable arms, ahandle, and fixed tubes. The retractable arms may be configured toextend into and out of the fixed tubes. The fixed tubes of thetelescopic handle may be at least partially encased within, andimmovable with respect to, the back hard-sided shell such that thebackmost portion of the fixed tubes may be substantially orapproximately flush with a backmost exterior of the back hard-sidedshell, while still remaining visible. Simultaneously, a smooth andcontinuous surface may be provided by, or on the surface of, theinterior of the back hard-sided shell that faces toward the main storagecompartment to facilitate the packing of clothing and other articleswithin the main storage compartment without requiring packing around anyfixed tubes or other components of the telescopic handle that protrudefrom the back hard-sided shell and into the main storage compartment.

In another aspect, the hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopichandle having a curved handle. The curved handle may be configured tomate with or fit within corresponding surfaces on the top, back cornerof the back hard-sided shell such that the top and backmost portions ofthe curved handle, when the telescopic handle is the stored position,are substantially or approximately flush with the top and back exteriorsurfaces of the back hard-sided shell, respectively.

As an example, the hard-sided suitcase may include front and backhard-sided shells defining a main storage compartment. The hard-sidedsuitcase may include a telescopic handle having a curved handleinterconnected with a right retractable arm and a left retractable arm.The right and left retractable arms may be configured to retract intoand extend from corresponding right and left fixed tubes that are atleast partially encased within the back hard-sided shell. The curvedhandle may be configured to bend inward toward the main storagecompartment by bending inward while the curved handle moves away from atop portion of both the right and left retractable arms and toward amid-point of the curved handle. For instance, the curved handle may havean undulating or wave-like shape. The curved handle may be configured tofit within a corresponding curved portion on the top, back corner of theback hard-sided shell such that when the right and left retractable armsare retracted into the right and left fixed tubes, respectively, atopmost portion of the curved handle may be substantially orapproximately flush with the top exterior surface of the back hard-sidedshell and a backmost portion of the curved handle (such as where thecurved handle interconnects with the right and left retractable arms)may be substantially or approximately flush with the back exteriorsurface of the back hard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and/orstorage of the hard-sided suitcase.

IV. Exemplary Back Hard-Sided Shell Partially Encasing a TelescopicHandle

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of an exemplary hard-sided suitcase 500. Thehard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sided shell 502 and atelescopic handle 504. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional,fewer, or alternate components.

The back hard-sided shell 502 may be configured to enclose or encase, orpartially enclose or encase, the telescopic handle 504, or componentsthereof, such as a frame portion. The back hard-sided shell 502 mayfirmly hold the telescopic handle 504, or components thereof, firmly inplace with little or no fasteners or fastening devices, such as screws,bolts, nuts, etc. Alternatively, fastening devices may be used. The backhard-sided shell 502 may substantially encase or partially encase thetelescopic handle 504 or components thereof to facilitate the telescopichandle 504 remaining in place with respect to the back hard-sided shell502 during use.

The telescopic handle 504 may comprise a right fixed tube 506, a leftfixed tube 508, a bottom 510, a top 512, a curved handle 514, a rightretractable arm 516, and a left retractable arm 518. The right fixedtube 506, left fixed tube 508, bottom 510 and top 512 may comprise aframe portion for the telescopic handle 504. The telescopic handle mayinclude additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may be generally cylindrical ortubular in shape. The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may beconfigured to retractably house the right and left retractable arms 516,518, respectfully. For instance, the right and left retractable arms516, 518 may be generally cylindrical or tubular in shape, and each mayhave an outer diameter sized to make a clearance or interference fitwith a corresponding inner diameter of the right and left fixed tubes506, 508. In other words, the right and left retractable arms 516, 518are sized to fit into or within the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508,respectively. Releasing or depressing a button may allow the right andleft retractable arms 516, 518 to expand into and out of the right andleft fixed tubes 506, 508, respectively, during use.

The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may be spaced apart andinterconnected by the bottom 510 and the top 512 pieces. The right andleft fixed tubes 506, 508, the bottom 510, and the top 512 may be atleast partially enclosed or encased by the back hard-sided shell 502,and made from metal or other suitable materials. The partial encasementmay allow the exterior of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, thebottom 510, and the top 512 to each remain visible or at least partiallyvisible, while simultaneously helping to hold the telescopic handle 504in place during use, such as when the user is dragging or lifting thehard-sided suitcase 500 via the telescopic handle 504.

The curved handle 514 may allow a user to grip and pull the telescopichandle 504, and thus the hard-sided suitcase 500. The curved handle 514may be indented inward and toward the hard-sided suitcase 500, such asvia an undulating shape. The curved handle 514 may be supportedvertically and interconnected with the top of both the right and leftretractable arms 516, 518. The curved handle 514 may include a pushbutton that allows the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 to moveinto and out of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, respectively.

The back hard-sided shell 502 may include a curved, indented portion520. The curved, indented portion 520 may be configured to accept ormate with the curved handle 514 of the telescopic handle 504. Forinstance, the curved handle 514 may extend or curve into the curved,indented portion 520 when the back hard-sided shell 502 is viewed fromabove. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, oralternate features.

V. Exemplary Curved Handle

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary telescopic handle 504 for the hard-sidedsuitcase 500. The hard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sidedshell 502, a telescopic handle 504, and a fixed handle 530. Thehard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternatecomponents.

The telescopic handle 504 may include a curved handle 514, a rightretractable arm 516, a left retractable arm 518, and a top 512. Thetelescopic handle may include additional, fewer, or alternatecomponents, including those shown in FIG. 5.

The right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be normally housed incorresponding right and left fixed tubes (not shown). The right and leftretractable arms 516, 518 may extend from the right and left fixedtubes, respectively, during use. The right and left retractable arms516, 518 may be spaced apart from and interconnected via the curvedhandle 514. The curved handle 514 may include a push button 540 thatallows for the extension of the right and left retractable arms 516, 518from the corresponding right and left fixed tubes, and/or moving theright and left retractable arms 516, 518 back into the correspondingright and left fixed tubes during use.

The curved handle 514 may be interconnected with the top of both theright and left retractable arms 516, 518. The curved handle 514 and theright and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be configured as a singlepiece, and/or made from metal or other suitable material.

The curved handle 514 may bend or curve inward toward the hard-sidedsuitcase 500 as the curved handle 514 moves away from the rightretractable arm 516 and toward the middle of the hard-sided suitcase500. Moving in the other direction, the curved handle 514 may similarlybend or curve inward toward the hard-sided suitcase 500 moving away fromthe right retractable arm 516 and toward the middle of the hard-sidedsuitcase 500. As a result, the curved handle 514 may have a curve with aundulating shape, or even a low U-shape, when viewed from above and in aplane approximately parallel with the top of the hard-sided suitcase 500or with the fixed handle 530.

The curved handle 514 may have a curve that curves inward toward thehard-sided suitcase 500 and then curves outward from the hard-sidedsuitcase 500. In one embodiment, the curved handle 514 may have a firstside with a first convex or bending outward surface 542, a middleconcave or bending inward surface 544, and a second convex or bendingoutward surface 546. The curved handle 514 may have a second side with afirst concave or bending inward surface 548, a middle convex or bendingoutward surface 550, and a second concave or bending inward surface 552.The corresponding concave and convex surfaces on the first and secondsides of the curved handle 514 may be approximately opposite one anotherwhen the curved handle 514 is viewed from above.

The middle convex surface 550 of the curved handle 514 may move inwardwith respect to the back hard-sided shell 502 and be positioned over orslightly over the top of the main storage compartment formed by the backhard-sided shell 502 and a front hard-sided shell. The back hard-sidedshell 502 may include an indented portion 520. The indented portion 520may include a flat bottom surface 522 that is lower that the top mostportion of the back hard shell 502 by approximately the height orthickness of the curved handle 514. The indented portion 520 may includea curved surface 524 that curves inward into the top, back corner of theback hard-sided shell 502. The curved surface 524 may be configured toapproximately correspond to the shape and/or inward curve(s) of thecurved handle 514.

As a result, when the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 are inthe stored position, and substantially within the right and left fixedtubes, respectfully, the curved handle 514 may be fit within orsubstantially within a height, width, and depth of the indented portion520. The top of the curved handle 514 may then be flush or approximatelyflush with the top of the back hard-sided shell 502, while the exterioror back most portion of the curved handle 514 (such as the cornersinterconnecting the curved handle 514 with the right and leftretractable arms 516, 518) may be flush or approximately flush with theexterior of the back of the back hard-sided shell 502.

The fixed handle 530 may include a left end 532, a right end 534, and ahandle 536. The fixed handle 530 may include additional, fewer, oralternate components.

The handle 536 may be interconnected with the top of the back hard-sidedshell 502 via the left end 532 and the right end 534. The left and rightends 532, 534 may comprise fasteners that facilitate a user lifting thehard-sided suitcase 500 via the handle 536.

VI. Exemplary Top View

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exemplary hard-sided suitcase 500. Thehard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sided shell 502, atelescopic handle 504, a fixed handle 530, a zipper 560, and a fronthard-sided shell 562. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional,fewer, or alternate components.

The zipper 560 may be configured to open and close the hard-sidedsuitcase 500. The back hard-sided shell 502 and the front hard-sidedshell 562 together may form a main storage compartment of the hard-sidedsuitcase 500. The telescopic handle 504 may be encased within the backof the back hard-sided shell 502 such that the interior of thehard-sided suitcase 500 and the main storage compartment do not have anyfixed tubes and/or other components of the telescopic handle 504interfering with the packing of clothing or other articles within themain storage compartment. For instance, the interior of the back of theback hard-sided shell 502 may be smooth and cover/encase the fixed tubesand/or other frame components (such as bottom and top piecesinterconnecting the fixed tubes) of the telescopic handle 504.

The back hard-sided shell 502 may have an indented portion 520 locatedin the vicinity of the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell 502that is configured to accept a curved handle of the telescopic handle504. The indented portion 520 may have a flat surface 522 and a curvedsurface 524. The curved surface 524 may be approximately rounded orcircular. The flat surface 522 and the curved surface 524 may provide anindented area at the top of the back of the back hard-sided shell 502into which the curved handle may reside once the telescopic handle 504is moved to a stowage position. After which, the top and/or back of thecurved handle 514 may be approximately flush with the top and/or back ofthe back hard-sided shell 502. The bottom of the curved handle may beapproximately flush with or slightly separated from the top 512 portionof the telescopic handle 504 when the telescopic handle 504 is in thestowage position.

VII. Exemplary Method of Manufacture

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture 800. The method mayinclude making a bottom portion or frame of a telescopic handle 802,encasing the frame of the telescopic handle within a back hard-sidedshell 804, assembling the back hard-sided shell into a hard-sidedsuitcase 806, making a handle portion of the telescopic handle 808, andassembling the complete telescopic handle 810. The method may includeadditional, fewer, or alternative actions.

The method 800 may include making a bottom portion or frame of atelescopic handle 802. A frame of a telescopic handle may include twofixed arms that are supported by and interconnected by a bottom arm anda top arm. For instance, the frame may have a generally rectangularframe shape. The two fixed arms may be tubular and/or cylindrical, andhave inner diameters sized to accept corresponding retractable orextendable arms on a handle portion of the telescopic handle.

The method 800 may include encasing the bottom portion or frame of thetelescopic handle within a back hard-sided shell 804. The bottom portionor frame may be fully or partially encased within a back hard-sidedshell while the back hard-sided shell is being molded, formed, orotherwise manufactured. The back hard-sided shell may be molded suchthat the interior of the back hard-sided shell is substantially flat andthe frame is partially encased by the back hard-sided shell. The frameand components thereof, such as the right and left fixed arms, and thebottom and top arms, may remain partially visible when viewing the backof the back hard-sided shell. The frame and components thereof may bemade of metal or other suitable material. The frame may held in placewith respect to the back hard-sided shell via either fasteners, such asbolts, screws, and nuts, and/or by the pressure exerted by the backhard-sided shell onto the surfaces of the frame of the telescopichandle.

The method 800 may include assembling the back hard-sided shell into ahard-sided suitcase 806. The back hard-sided shell may be interconnectedwith a zipper configuration and a front hard-sided shell, as well othercomponents, included those discussed herein, such as fixed handles andgussets, to make a hard-sided suitcase.

The method 800 may include making a handle portion of the telescopichandle 808. A handle portion of the telescopic handle may be a singlemetallic piece that is configured to have two arms and a handle thatholds the two arms together. The two arms may be generally tubularand/or cylindrical in shape, and be sized to fit into correspondingfixed arms of the frame of the telescopic handle that are encased orpartially encased within the back hard-sided shell. The handle may be acurved handle and be manufactured to have an undulating or other inwardcurve. The curved handle may be manufactured to have a centrally locatedpush button that operates various joints, links, springs, and/or othercomponents to allow the handle portion and the two arms to retract intoand from the fixed arms of the frame encased within the back hard-sidedshell.

The method 800 may include assembling the complete telescopic handle810. The handle portion may be assembled with the bottom portion orframe of the telescopic handle that is fully or partially encased withthe back hard-sided shell. For instance, the two arms of the handleportion may be slid into the two fixed arms of the frame. After which,the telescopic handle may be manufactured such that the handle portionmay not become separated from the frame during normal use.

The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a generalunderstanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are notintended to serve as a complete description of all the elements andfeatures of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structuresdescribed herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherarrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangementshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention.Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to theparticular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this invention, but that the invention will include allembodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A hard-sided suitcase comprising: front and back hard-sided shellsdefining a main storage compartment; and a telescopic handle having acurved handle interconnected with a right extendable arm and a leftextendable arm, the right and left extendable arms configured to retractinto and extend from fixed tubes of a frame of the telescopic handle,the curved handle being configured to bend inward toward the mainstorage compartment by curving inward toward the main storagecompartment while the curved handle moves away from both the right andleft extendable arms and toward a mid-point of the curved handle,wherein the curved handle is configured to fit within a correspondingcurved portion on a top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell suchthat when the right and left extendable arms are retracted into thefixed tubes, a topmost portion of the curved handle is approximatelyflush with a top of the back hard-sided shell and a backmost portion ofthe curved handle is approximately flush with a back of the backhard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and storage of the hard-sidedsuitcase.
 2. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the fixed tubesof the telescopic handle are partially encased within the backhard-sided shell such that the fixed tubes remain partially visible whenviewed from the back of the back hard-sided shell.
 3. The hard-sidedsuitcase of claim 1, wherein the curved handle includes a centrallylocated push button configured to allow moving the right and leftextendable arms into and out of the fixed tubes.
 4. The hard-sidedsuitcase of claim 1, wherein the curved handle and the right and leftextendable arms are made of metal and comprise a single piece.
 5. Thehard-sided suitcase of claim 4, wherein the curved handle has asymmetric undulating shape that bends inward toward a middle of thehard-sided suitcase.
 6. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein theframe of the telescopic handle is partially encased within the backhard-sided shell and remains visible from an exterior of the hard-sidedsuitcase.
 7. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the curvedhandle has a symmetric, undulating shape that bends inward toward amiddle of the hard-sided suitcase.
 8. A hard-sided suitcase comprising:front and back hard-sided shells defining a main storage compartment;and a telescopic handle having a curved handle interconnected with aright retractable arm and a left retractable arm, the right and leftretractable arms being configured to retract into and extend fromcorresponding right and left fixed tubes of a frame of the telescopichandle, the curved handle being configured to bend inward toward themain storage compartment by bending inward while the curved handle movesaway from a top portion of both the right and left retractable arms andtoward a mid-point of the curved handle, wherein the curved handle isconfigured to fit within a corresponding curved, indented portion on atop, back corner of the back hard-sided shell such that when the rightand left retractable arms are retracted into the right and left fixedtubes, respectively, a topmost portion of the curved handle isapproximately flush with a top of the back hard-sided shell and abackmost portion of the curved handle is approximately flush with a backof the back hard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and storage ofthe hard-sided suitcase.
 9. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 8, whereinthe fixed tubes of the telescopic handle are partially encased withinthe back hard-sided shell such that the fixed tubes remain partiallyvisible.
 10. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 8, wherein the curvedhandle includes a centrally located push button configured to allowmoving the right and left retractable arms into and out of the fixedtubes.
 11. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 10, wherein the curvedhandle and the right and left retractable arms are made of metal andcomprise a single piece.
 12. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 8, whereinthe frame of the telescopic handle is partially encased within the backhard-sided shell and remains visible from an exterior of the hard-sidedsuitcase.
 13. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 8, wherein the curvedhandle has a symmetric, undulating shape that bends inward toward amiddle of the hard-sided suitcase.
 14. The hard-sided suitcase of claim8, wherein the curved handle and the right and left retractable arms aremade of metal and comprise a single piece.
 15. A hard-sided suitcasecomprising: front and back hard-sided shells defining a main storagecompartment; and a telescopic handle having a curved handleinterconnected with right and left retractable arms, the right and leftretractable arms being configured to retract into and extend fromcorresponding right and left fixed tubes that are at least partiallyencased within the back hard-sided shell, the curved handle having asymmetric, undulating shape that bends inward toward a middle of thehard-sided suitcase, wherein the curved handle is configured to fitwithin a curved, indented portion located on a top, back corner of theback hard-sided shell such that when the right and left retractable armsare retracted into the right and left fixed tubes, respectively, atopmost portion of the curved handle is approximately flush with a topsurface of the back hard-sided shell and a backmost portion of thecurved handle is approximately flush with a back surface of the backhard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and storage of the hard-sidedsuitcase.
 16. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 15, wherein the curvedhandle includes a centrally located push button configured to allowmoving the right and left retractable arms into and out of the fixedtubes.
 17. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 16, wherein the curvedhandle and the right and left retractable arms are made of metal andcomprise a single piece.
 18. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 15,wherein the curved handle and the right and left retractable arms aremade of metal and comprise a single piece.
 19. The hard-sided suitcaseof claim 15, wherein the frame of the telescopic handle is partiallyencased within the back hard-sided shell and remains visible from anexterior of the hard-sided suitcase.
 20. The hard-sided suitcase ofclaim 19, wherein the frame of the telescopic handle is made of metal.